Since relocating from Singapore to Pakenham, Dan Meagher admits the transition has been far from simple.
Competing successfully against trainers like Laurie Laxon, Lee Freedman and Cliff Brown, Meagher was at the top of Singapore racing when the jurisdiction shut down.
He brought star galloper Lim’s Kosciuszko to Melbourne, who placed in a Flemington Stakes race at his first Australian run, but Meagher concedes he mismanaged the remainder of that campaign.
“You think you have to change your ways and do things differently,” Meagher said.
“Winter hit… I ran him at 1400 metres on a patchy track and then I dropped him back to 1100 metres… it was a sign of a trainer who pushed it when he wasn’t ready for it.”
Returning to his proven training methods, Meagher says he has regained confidence after adapting to new tracks, weather, staff and routines.
“I’ve learned to back myself and not overthink things,” he said.
He now chases his biggest Australian win when Lim’s Kosciuszko contests the $1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham in the Moody Racing slot.
Meagher was grateful for the invitation.
“To get asked by a person of his calibre… it’s greatly appreciated,” he said.
He was thrilled with Lim’s Kosciuszko’s first-up fourth at Caulfield and believes 1400m is perfect.
“I think 1200 metres to a mile… he’ll appreciate it and we’re smack bang in the middle which should suit him pretty well,” Meagher said.